Highlights
- Technically fascinating ‘gentleman’s motorbike’ in great condition
- Original UK market bike first registered in 1947
- Comprehensive history with regular servicing and maintenance
- Dating Certificate and "Green" registration document
- Refurbished fuel tank by Lewis Templeton in 2021
The Appeal
Trust Edward Turner to do things differently. When he conceived Ariel’s ‘Square Four’ he found a novel approach to solving the switch to a ‘four.’ He placed two parallel twins in tandem - one behind the other - with the two crankshafts geared together. Early bikes were chain drive OHC, while later ones like this featured pushrods.
The 997cc engine fitted to this later example first arrived in 1937 and featured an alloy head and cylinders. The polished fins and four exhaust headers lent these final examples their distinctive aesthetics. The ‘Square Four’ was aimed at ‘gentleman riders’ and was noted for its comfort - helped by a sprung saddle - and good handling.
All of which makes rare survivors like this beautiful example very appealing for collectors. This one was first registered in January 1947 in Wolverhampton. It subsequently spent some time in Ireland before returning here in 1997. It was restored in the late 1990s and still looks utterly resplendent, the extensive chromework, polished tank and lovely Ariel-embossed features adding extra detail touches to delight the eye.
The vendor says:
“Handles remarkably well for a 78 year old bike and the sprung seats make a comfortable ride even on our rough roads.
“I have done lots of work on the bike over the years I've owned it keeping it in top condition.”
The History and Paperwork
- First registered January 1947 according to vendor
- Dating Certificate shows first registered in Wolverhampton
- "Green" registration document shows date of first registration as 16th January 1947
- Later spent time in Ireland according to vendor
- Re-registered in UK 1997
- Previously red/black which was changed to black in February 1999
- Three registered keepers since 1997
- Current keeper since May 2019
- Good history file of maintenance as shown
- Regularly serviced by seller
- Lots of other paperwork available for the bike according to seller
- Battery conditioner included
- Always garaged by current keeper
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Factory handbooks as shown
- Few miles covered since last advisory-free MOT in 2012
The Condition
- Handsome bike in very well kept order
- Very good condition following older restoration with light patina of use
- Polished chrome tank with black paintwork and gold pinstriping all well kept
- Extensive chromework presents well with bright finish and no obvious tarnish
- Retains Ariel factory fittings including Smiths dials, branded grips, branded headlamp shroud and other features
- Beautifully detailed bike including dials on tank
- Spoked wheels in good order with tubed vintage tyres fitted
- Twin leather seats with front seat sprung for comfort even on rough roads
- Supplied with rear saddle bag as shown
- We are told that all the instruments work correctly
The Mechanics
- 997cc Turner-designed ‘four’ delivering 45bhp
- 4spd Burman manual gearbox
- Solex carburettor
- 6V battery with conditioner included in sale
- Fuel tank refurbished by specialist Lewis Templeton in 2021
- Regularly maintained and service during its life
- Engine starts easily according to seller
- Vendor reports that it handles well for a 78-year-old bike
- No reported running or riding issues
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